CSIC researchers develop scalable method for thermoelectric films

Researchers from the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) have developed a sustainable and scalable method to manufacture thin thermoelectric films capable of converting temperature differences into electricity at room temperature. The process utilizes electrodeposition to create silver selenide (Ag2Se) and copper selenide (Cu2Se) films.

Unlike traditional manufacturing techniques that require vacuum chambers and high-temperature treatments, this electrochemical method operates at room temperature using aqueous solutions. This approach reduces the need for expensive infrastructure and intensive thermal treatments, making the process more suitable for large-scale production.

The technology leverages the Seebeck effect to recover waste heat from industrial processes, household appliances, and electronic devices. Potential applications include small thermoelectric generators designed to power autonomous sensors and Internet of Things (IoT) devices.